Dhanush's Raanjhanaa AI ending controversy: Farhan Akhtar backs Aanand L. Rai, says, "If the creator is unhappy about their work being changed, I will support them"

Dhanush's Raanjhanaa AI ending controversy: Farhan Akhtar backs Aanand L. Rai, says, "If the creator is unhappy about their work being changed, I will support them"

The 2013 romantic drama Raanjhanaa, starring Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, recently returned to the big screen—but not without controversy. The re-released version featured an altered AI-generated “happy” ending that strayed from director Aanand L. Rai’s original vision, sparking outrage from both Rai and lead actor Dhanush. Now, actor-director Farhan Akhtar has weighed in, extending his support to Rai amid the growing debate.

Speaking at the teaser launch of his upcoming film 120 Bahadur on Tuesday, Farhan voiced his concern over the use of AI in altering creative works without consent. “I will always stand with the creator of the film,” Farhan stated. “If the creator is unhappy about their work being changed, I will support them. That’s where my loyalty lies. I’m not aware of the detailed circumstances, but that’s all I can say.”

Backing Farhan’s stance, Ritesh Sidhwani—co-founder of Excel Entertainment—also highlighted the importance of ethical AI use in the creative industry. “I agree with Farhan. AI is a tool we need to embrace, but it must be used wisely and responsibly,” Sidhwani said. “Back in the day, research meant going to a library; now, with Google and AI, the approach has changed. You have to use AI smartly and not get lazy.”

Sidhwani stressed the significance of consent in AI-driven modifications, particularly in the arts. “Consent is crucial. I haven’t seen the AI-altered Raanjhanaa, but from what I’ve heard, if the filmmaker, actors, and others involved haven’t given their consent, it shouldn’t be done. AI is here to stay, but it must be used to your advantage—carefully and respectfully.”

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In the original Raanjhanaa, Dhanush’s character Kundan dies after being shot, with Sonam Kapoor’s Zoya beside him. The AI-edited version, however, rewrites this climax—Kundan survives and is shown waking up in the hospital, greeted by friends Bindiya (Swara Bhasker) and Murari (Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub). This change has been met with backlash from fans and creators alike.

Director Aanand L. Rai publicly condemned the move, claiming the alteration was made without his approval. “This decision was not mine. It sets a dangerous precedent,” he warned. Meanwhile, production house Eros, which holds the film’s rights, defended the AI version and further accused Rai of using Raanjhanaa’s intellectual property in his upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein.

As the controversy unfolds, the film industry watches closely—raising urgent questions about the future of AI, consent, and creative control.